[Cardiac emergencies after the Hanshin (Kobe-Osaka) earthquake].

The Hanshin earthquake occurred on January 17, 1995, causing considerable disruption at our hospital due to lack of water and gas supplies for about 5-6 weeks after the earthquake. We admitted 63 cardiac patients as emergencies during first 3 weeks, including 32 with congestive heart failure, 6 with unstable angina, 8 with acute myocardial infarction and 17 with other diseases. Congestive heart failure occurred mainly in aged patients who suffered from upper respiratory infection or bronchitis. We were obliged to send 20 critically ill cardiac patients to other cardiac centers by helicopter or ambulance, because no intensive care could be provided. Major and high grade hospital functions cannot be achieved in earthquake areas.